The Cavaliers' latest seven-figure investment is not in a player

Fans looking for free Wi-Fi access at Quicken Loans Arena likely were excited Wednesday night when they read the following tweet from Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert:“@cavs fans, Q wifi is FINALLY up online tonite. Its quick as Kyrie on a fast break & its FREE! Click 'QWIFI' Let us know how it works for U.”The tweet was later removed from Gilbert's @cavsdan page, but fear not, fans of Wi-Fi.A Cavaliers spokesman said the team's free Wi-Fi network is in the “testing phase” and is “very close” to being complete.Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors was part of the testing process, and the Wi-Fi network was available for every seat at The Q. The Cavs said they soon will add Wi-Fi to the concourses and all non-bowl public space in the arena as well.The team spokesman said the upgrade is an “elaborate, expensive process,” one described as a “seven-figure investment.”

Gilbert first piqued the interest of Cavs fans on the topic when he responded to a question on Twitter last fall about the team not having free Wi-Fi available at The Q.“Yes, early this season,” Gilbert tweeted to the fan — and his 70-plus-thousand followers — on Oct. 21.Two years ago, the NBA began making a push to help its teams meet the increasing demand for wireless access at sporting events.In the above Sports Business Journal story, the league said its data showed more than 70% of fans who attend NBA games own smart phones. That figure has certainly increased, and the number of teams rolling out free Wi-Fi networks has, too.When the Golden State Warriors announced their in-arena Wi-Fi system last year, they were believed to be just the second NBA team to have the luxury.Crain's is awaiting to hear back from the league following a request for a more up-to-date number, but research shows at least three teams have added free Wi-Fi this season — the Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls.The Cavs should be added to that list very soon.

More Dollar Dog Nights!

The Indians have reduced the price of hot dogs from $4.50 to $3 and lowered the cost of 12-once domestic beers to $4 this season. In 2012, 12-ounce domestics ranged from $4.50 to $5.25. Your Dad's Beer Stand, which features nostalgic brands, will also be included in the $4 draft category.Possibly of more importance to many fans: The Indians are increasing the number of their popular Dollar Dog Nights from nine in 2012 to 15 this season.The team also said nachos, pretzels, popcorn, pizza and bratwursts will be up to 25% cheaper, and soda refills will be $2.“We've asked our fans what they want most in their ballpark experience at Progressive Field, and more affordable concessions prices routinely top the list,” Indians president Mark Shapiro said in a statement. “This is a way for us to let fans know we're listening to them and that we value them.”

Moving the needle

In addition to the rapid sellout of the home opener, Monday was a very good day for the Tribe in other areas.Single-game ticket sales, which were open to the public on Monday, were up 40% compared to 2012 and nearly double the 2011 pace, the Indians said earlier this week.Meanwhile, availability for the Premium Club — a 5,000-square-foot lounge that will be unveiled for the home opener on April 8 against the Yankees — is “extremely limited,” according to a team official. The club originally had 100 seats available on a season-ticket basis. It will feature 20 high-definition televisions, plush seating, and deluxe food and drink options.You can follow me on Twitter for sports information, analysis and hopefully an update on The Q's new Wi-Fi network.

Morning Roundup

Business headlines from Crain's Cleveland Business and other Ohio newspapers — delivered FREE to your inbox every morning. Sign up for the Morning Newsletter.